HORSETHIEF

DESTINATION TRAIL / BACKCOUNTRY RIDING / SINGLETRACK

Horsethief is our full suspension 29er, built to amplify the singletrack experience. Featuring 120mm of rear wheel travel through Dave Weagle’s incredible Split Pivot™ rear suspension design, the Horsethief handles technical terrain with ease and eagerly pedals up a pass if it means a two-hour descent of loamy ribbons await you on the other side. Well balanced with 130mm of front travel, Horsethief sets you up to charge it when things get twisty.

The concentric rear axle pivot in conjunction with precise wheel link, brake link, and control link placement, results in several performance gains:

Exceptional bump compliance

Maximum traction

Incredible pedaling efficiency

Predictable braking

Improved frame geometry due to the elimination of unwanted suspension movement during acceleration and braking

XC/Trail-Specific Suspension Travel +

120mm of Split Pivot® rear wheel travel that is tuned with a progressive leverage ratio but slightly linear tail end; the end result is a very efficient pedaling frame that has very supple small bump feel off the top, a lot of mid-stroke support for corner and pumping terrain, and a subtle ramp (but not too much) in end-stroke that ensures a bottomless feel, while still maximizing the use of all 120mm of rear wheel travel. The frame is designed and balanced for a 120mm travel, 51mm offset front fork, but can also allow the use of 130mm travel, 51mm offset forks for aggressive 29er riders looking to add BB height and slacken the headtube angle, and also to compensate for the slightly smaller diameter of 27.5+ wheel and tire combos

Versatile Wheel & Tire Options +

The Horsethief/Pony Rustler frame retains is capacity for run 29 x 2.25-2.4" wheel and tires setups, but sees an upgrade to Boost rear spacing and Boost drivetrain component compatibility. This allows the use of 27.5+ setups (27.5 x 3.0") and gives rise to the Pony Rustler name, a Horsethief frame spec’d stock with 27.5+ wheels. Both Horsethief and Pony Rustler models are spec’d and compatible with 110mm spaced 29/27.5+ (51mm offset) forks up to 130mm in travel, which allows the rider to toggle between 29/27.5+ wheelsets with simply a wheel change

Horsethief Geometry +

The Horsethief/Pony Rustler is a big-wheeled (29/27.5+) bike that is surprisingly playful and aggressive thanks to a low-slung stance and short 437mm chainstays. A 67.5–68.1° head angle (depending on fork travel) was progressive for a 29er back when the design was conceived between Dave Weagle and Salsa, and has since proven to be the modern day gold standard for most 29er and 27.5+ trail bikes. This provides a confidence-inspiring angle of attack for rough and steep terrain, and the large wheel diameter paired with a 51mm offset fork maintains a well-balanced steering feel that is nimble enough in twisty corners and techy climbs, and still stable at high speed

Boost Technology +

148 x 12mm rear spacing paired with a standard width bottom bracket results in the most tire clearance possible with the narrowest crank Q-factor, and also results in a stiffer and stronger rear wheel

6066-T6 Aluminum Tubeset +

Top-shelf, double and triple-butted, heat-treated 6066-T6 aluminum tubing is used throughout the frame. This 6000-series aluminum has better strength and fatigue characteristics than 6061 and 7000-series aluminums, allowing for a stronger and lighter overall frame. Additionally, the tubing is strategically shaped and formed for additional stiffness and strength optimization in key stress areas

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F.A.Q.

Warranty

Setup &amp Instructions

Can I use a rear shock from a different manufacturer? +

You could switch to a shock from a different manufacturer but keep in mind that you will still need to match shock and stroke lengths. Also keep in mind that we have carefully selected both the shock and the specific shock tune. Switching to a shock that isn’t tuned appropriately could make for a worse ride.

Do you offer touch-up paint? +

No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.

The Split Pivot Horsethief/PonyRustler frame is designed and approved for use with suspension forks with 120–130mm of travel that have axle-to-crown lengths up to, but not exceeding 542mm. Check the fork manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the model and travel combination you intend to use is equal to or less than this length. Using a longer length fork will void the frame warranty and could result in frame failure. Forks with 51mm offset are strongly recommended, but 45mm offset is also acceptable (increases mechanical trail by 6mm).

All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below. Every Salsa frame, component, and apparel has a useful product life cycle. The length of that useful product life cycle will vary depending on the construction and the materials of the product, maintenance and care the product receives, and the amount and type of use the product is subjected to over its life. Your bike has an intended level of use as defined by the ASTM Riding Condition Classification Chart. Failure to adhere to the use cases identified in this chart will void your warranty. Save your dated receipt for proof of purchase.

Salsa Cycles does not guarantee the compatibility of original components with a warranty replacement frame. Salsa Cycles is not responsible for parts or labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds.

Salsa Cycles cannot guarantee a color match to the original frame, component, or apparel in the event of a replacement.

This warranty applies to 2014 and newer model bicycles and covers only Salsa Cycles branded product. Any other original part or component shall be covered by the stated warranty of the original manufacturer. Any products not specifically included above are hereby excluded.

This warranty does not cover the following:

Damage due to improper assembly or follow-up maintenance or lack of skill, competence or experience of the user or assemble

Bicycles that were not assembled or serviced by an authorized Salsa Cycles dealer

Products that have been modified, neglected, used in competition, or for commercial purposes such as rental, courier, police, security, etc, misused or abused, involved in accidents or anything other than normal use

Installation of components, parts, or accessories not originally intended for use with or compatible with Salsa frames and components

Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from third-party internet sites, including auction websites, and regional trading websites (examples: Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist) are not covered under this warranty, even if you have a receipt

Wear, scratches, chips and cracks to paint, finish, or coating on all Salsa frames and components

Bent or broken derailleur hangers or Alternator plates

Labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds

Damage to carbon fiber caused by any carbon assembly paste

Normal wear and tear

Legal Disclaimer
This limited warranty is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at the option of Salsa Cycles, and is the sole remedy of the warranty. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Salsa Cycles product and is not transferable. This warranty applies only to Salsa Cycles products purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor. In no event shall Salsa Cycles be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, whether direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from breach of any express or implied warranty or condition of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise with respect to our products except as set forth herein. This warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights, and those rights and other rights may vary from place to place. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.

TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

WARRANTY REGISTRATION:
Proof of purchase is required before a warranty claim is processed. Salsa Cycles therefore strongly encourages warranty registration at salsacycles.com. Failure to register will not affect consumer rights under the limited warranty stated above, so long as the consumer can show in a reasonable manner proof of original ownership and the date the Salsa Cycles product was purchased.

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Reviews

“Once set up properly with 30 percent sag, the kinematics of the Split Pivot design do the rest, as it gives an incredibly stable pedaling platform while still soaking up the rough Utah trails. Never once did I make use of the CTD settings on the Fox Factory Adjust Boost Valve shock.”-DirtRagMag.com – July 2014

“There was no pretense here. It was just tasty food, good company, easy conversation, and the satisfaction of sitting out in the woods after a solid day of riding. The moment captured Salsa and the new Spearfish and Horsethief well. These are no-bullshit, fun-loving bikes built for whatever adventure life throws at them.”-Outside Magazine – August 2013

“It’s hard for me to fully back the idea of a quiver-killing bike—the one machine that does it all—but were I looking to shell out my own precious shekels for a bike that could support me anywhere from the odd XC race to a high-mountain adventure to light bike-park duty, this new Horsethief would definitely be on my shortest of short lists.”-BIKE Magazine – July 2013

“The updated Horsethief 1 we rode on the tight and twisty trails around Duluth, Minnesota, is a much more refined bicycle than its predecessor in terms of handling and suspension performance.”-BikeRadar – July 2013

“On Salsa’s recommendation, I left the Fox CTD shock in Descend mode which they said would illustrate how well the suspension design, not the damping was working. They were absolutely right, with the bike feeling incredibly efficient while climbing without having to use the Climb mode once. Of course this meant the suspension felt extremely plush and active when you hit a rock or root, but there was very little pedal induced suspension bob.”-BikeRumor – July 2013

“We spent time on the bike while covering some natural, rocky terrain, as well as on Spirit Mountain's berm-filled Candyland trail, with the bike offering a great sense of its capabilities at both locations. It obviously excelled and felt more at home while on Duluth's cross-country loops, but we were surprised at how easily it carved the tight bermed corners at Spirit Mountain, feeling very unlike some other big-wheelers that we've thrown around on the jump lines.”-PinkBike – July 2013

“…I was immediately struck by the bike’s sense of poise. Again, with both wheels shifted forward under the rider, rider weight distribution is similar to that of a 26-inch trail bike; weight back over the rear wheel, with the front wheel well out in front for stability. Within minutes aboard the bike, I was extremely comfortable with capable handling. The increased fork offset kept things moving along nicely at slow speeds, too.”-Dirt Rag – June 2013

“I spent two solid days piloting the Horsethief, and although it’s a bit too much bike for my preferences, I was really impressed with how nimble and responsive it was for such a big bike. Whether behind the saddle dropping the big rock faces at Piedmont Trails known as “Medropolis”, carving up tight, technical singletrack above the town of Duluth or doing numerous runs down the irresistible Candyland flow trail at Spirit Mountain ski resort, the Horsethief showed off its versatility.”-MTBR – June 2013